Three gunmen who allegedly wore military-style gear went on a shooting spree at a Southern California social services center. Witnesses claimed the gunmen did the crime cold-heartedly and acted "as if they were on a mission." Politicians' reactions vary, with some being criticized as being too indifferent.
At least 14 people died, and a dozen others were seriously injured after three attackers stormed Inland Regional Center and started shooting at 11 am. The tragic event happened just days after a gunman opened fire at Planned Parenthood in Colorado, leaving three dead.
According to the authorities, even though the motive for this massacre is still unclear, the assault seems carefully planned. The gunmen opened fire in a conference area that San Bernardino County Department of Public Health had rented out for a banquet. Police Chief Jarrod Burguan said that the gunmen were all prepared to carry out the heinous crime, "as if they were on a mission." The gunmen were armed with long guns, the police chief said.
While the attack took place, several people escaped to their offices and locked themselves in, hoping that the police would be able to rescue them. Some were able to text their families on what was currently transpiring. "People shot. In the office waiting for cops. Pray for us. I am locked in an office," Terry Petit's daughter's text message read.
Distraught Petit claimed that his daughter was working at the center, which was designed to help people with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy.
Politicians were quick to weigh in on the issue, especially since this adds to the growing list of mass shooting taking place in the country.
While some, mostly Republican presidential candidates (Jeb Bush, Gov. Mike Huckabee, Dr. Ben Carson, Donald Trump) are now sending their thoughts and prayers to the victims of the shooting, Sandy Hook Senator Chris Murphy said these are not enough if no actions were taken.
Taking to his Twitter account, Murphy said the only thoughts worthy now are those that would be about steps on how to stop mass shootings from happening ever again. The only prayers needed are those on forgiveness if nothing would be done, again.
Your "thoughts" should be about steps to take to stop this carnage. Your "prayers" should be for forgiveness if you do nothing - again.
— Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) December 2, 2015
Like Murphy, Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was also quick to react, not with "thoughts and prayers," but a refusal to "accept this as normal." She also used her Twitter account to urge action to stop the gun-related violence.
I refuse to accept this as normal. We must take action to stop gun violence now. -H https://t.co/SkKglwQycb
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) December 2, 2015
Another presidential candidate, Donald Trump's reaction could not be more different than Clinton's. In Trump's tweet, he described the shooting as "very bad." He then lauded the efforts of the law enforcement.
Heading to Manassas, Virginia, for a rally. Will have a moment of silence for the victims of the California shootings. So sad!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 2, 2015
Congratulations on the GREAT job done by POLICE and law enforcement on the California shootings. Give credit where credit is due.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 3, 2015
As of the latest update, two of the suspects were killed with one detained.
